BY RYAN LITTLE

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

When the word "math" is in a band's name, it carries with it certain expectations. In the case of Mutemath, the scattered rhythms and technical prowess of Grammy-nominated rockers deliver.

The band will visit the Sixth & I synagogue in Washington next Wednesday with As Tall As Lions.

Mutemath's latest album, "Armistice," explores odd time signatures and shifting keyboard samples, but the group continues to craft catchy pop anthems.

In a recent interview, Mutemath drummer Darren King explained the band's approach to the record: "All four of us were concerned about something in particular," he said.

"I was particularly concerned about making something that I would really enjoy playing over and over again. That was achieved; the songs are really fun to play."

King added, "I like the new record better than the first one."

Earlier this year, Mutemath went into the studio with Dennis Herring, who has previously produced Modest Mouse and Ben Folds. King said Herring pushed the band to make its best record yet, both musically and lyrically.

Lead singer Paul Meany tackles more doubtful, pessimistic lyrics on this record, which initially made other band members nervous.

But King said he came around to the darker tone when he realized, "There was something beautiful about the honesty. People can relate to the frustration and the confusion in the lyrics, and people appreciate having someone else relate to them in that way."

The band never shies from hard work. There was a lot of revision during the songwriting process, King said. "We're not afraid to scrap a week or two's worth of work because we've decided we don't like it. Sometimes, I think we do that far too quickly."

King and his band mates are not content to just play their own instruments either, he said. "We all get in each other's business in every way, regarding lyrics, producing, arranging and engineering."